    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 21, 2004]
    [Page 2994]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Paris Club Agreement To Reduce Iraq's International
    Debt
    November 21, 2004

        I congratulate the Iraqi Interim Government and the Paris Club of
    creditor nations for today's agreement to reduce dramatically Iraq's
    international debt. The Iraqi people have an historic opportunity to
    build a free and democratic Iraq after more than two decades of
    political oppression and economic devastation under the brutal regime of
    Saddam Hussein. The Paris Club agreement
    represents a major international contribution to Iraq's continued
    political and economic reconstruction. I encourage non-Paris Club
    creditor nations to agree to comparable debt reduction for Iraq.
        The Paris Club leadership deserves particular thanks for its efforts
    in making this agreement possible. I also commend Secretaries
    Powell and Snow and
    Special Presidential Envoy James Baker
    for their tireless efforts in working with creditor nations to reach
    this agreement.